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About Top Idol

Top Idol Blog began in spring 2008. It was an experiment of sorts, originally existing only as email recaps I wrote to a friend who watched the show. I never intended on it becoming something a part-time career. And now here we are…

I’ve never been a fan of American Idol. I would only now call myself a follower. While I’ve discovered a few musicians I do wholeheartedly enjoy through the show, it’s really not my thing. Hearing 1072 versions of Bonnie Raitt’s I Can’t Make You Love Me is torture no matter how you cut it.

I’m not bad. Sometimes, I just write that way.

This for those of us who really think American Idol is complete crap, yet feel somewhat compelled to watch it. If American Idol is a guilty pleasure, it should be much more pleasurable.

(In case you were wondering, currently my favorite TV show is Mad Men. I hate Glee. Do not talk about Glee on my site. That show would drive a lab rat insane.)

I enjoy research. Love it. The reasons I fell into writing a blog on a show I really didn’t care about, it’s too long to go into here. But I really did “fall” into doing it. And the more and more I started learning about Idol, its contestants and most of all, its most devoted fans, I began to realize that many Idol blogs didn’t delve into the fun stuff.

The fun stuff being the things that require research.

And as far as the Idol Fantards go, my belief is that if your devotion towards a past or current AI contestant interferes with your daily life and causes you to sever ties with those who do not share similar beliefs, its time to take a good look in the mirror and think about what’s really important. You can call me a hater and say I have “no sense of humor” but I’m not the one taking a silly television show so seriously. And I have no problem making fun of fantards who can’t handle other people having a different opinion regarding the object of their sick & twisted obsession.

It’s just a TV show. Get over it. The world has got far bigger problems.

Oh, and when the word tard is used to describe a fervent AI fan, it’s in no way a reflection of how people feel about those with mental disabilities. Just because people use the word tard or fantard does not mean they hate those who are be mentally challenged. It means they think this sort of behavior is some of the stupidest they have ever witnessed.

Wondering about other things discussed on this blog? Here’s a handy list:

  • So You Think You Can Dance
  • America’s Next Top Model
  • More to Love
  • The Room
  • Jon Hamm…and all things Mad Men
  • Burning Man
  • Midgets
  • Assorted other randomness

I try and add more THRILLING CONTENT whenever I can, and suggestions are always welcome. YOUR recaps/reviews/photos/et al are ALWAYS welcome. Perhaps one day I will be able to pay you for such things. Perhaps one day I will be able to pay myself for these things, too.

Got tips?

Want to tell me I suck?

Most likely, I will write you back.

Contact me:

topidolblog@gmail.com

  • Girard Huckins

    Hi. I notice you don’t cover The voice. Why? Do you hate it or are you a die hard Idol fan? ;)

  • frankgds

    I think you are an Idol Fan to the Next Level and just don’t want to admit it. Writing a blog about AI requires true dedication and a lot of thinking. So relatively you are an avid AI Fan than most of us. Admit it.

  • cricket

    LMAO Are you serious? You spend a “part-time career” (since 2008!!!!!) writing and maintaining a blog all about reality tv shows and past contestants – or rather – past contestants FANS – and how they should all stop obsessing about reality tv shows and past contestants. LMFAO And you don’t see the irony in that? And YOU think everyone else needs to get over it and are “tards”? Mate! That’s hilarious! Seriously, these are just stupid tv shows. Sometimes a good talent might come out of them – usually not. Most people don’t give a shit. They only care about whats on the radio and who/what is good in the real world, in the here and now. Why spend so much time fussing about old episodes of lame tv shows and who’s fans are doing what these days? Those episodes are over. Past tense. Finito. This is so sad it’s almost funny.

    • CayKat

      Ummm, did you even read the description? Methinks thee has some reading comprehension difficulties.
      Really, the one with issues appears to be you “cricket”. Why come on a blog and attack the creator with claims of “no one cares” etc. when you clearly care a great deal. I mean you took the time to write about it! ha!

      The blog is funny. That’s the point of it. The content focused on people tarding about a show and contestants of the past is not ironic. Not a case of “your doing what they do”. These tards are nut jobs who do crazy shit in the here and now and post it all over the internet – public domain. Topidol simply shines a light on the insanity in a very humourous way. GET IT?
      The blog also focuses on other great topics, which are clearly listed above so I won’t repeat it. Plus, you seem like a total asshat and I took the time to write this only to defend one of my favorite bloggers. Mind you, I have not done so as brilliantly as she, or some of the awesome readers here, normally would. Giving it a shot though.

      The real irony is, she would probably say that your just another loon and a complete waste of time. If only I were a bigger person – heh!

      I know that devolved into some childish name calling but, that’s really all you deserve. now sod off!

      • CayKat

        I love me some english swear words.

    • http://topidolblog.com TopIdol

      Banned. I knew you looked familiar.

      I don’t think you understood what any of this meant. I’m glad you think I’m pathetic. I’m sure it will keep me up at night. Now don’t let the door hit you on your way out.

  • deez

    Jus’ wonderin’…will you be doing awesome MAD MEN recaps this year??? That would be interesting…possibly? (I don’t remember if you’ve done them before or not, if so, I didn’t pay attention…I just watched the DVDs back in the fall)

    • http://topidolblog.com TopIdol

      No, I didn’t do recaps last year, but coming this July, Mad Men recaps will DEFINITELY be on tap. Hell, you guys may see me write REAL stuff. Scary, right?

      • deez

        YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

      • TankieGirlie

        You brought up midgets… have you watched Pit Boss?? My new FAV show!!!

  • Mithra
  • Bailey

    Here’s a close-up version of Kris Allen’s MITM in Cebu. Thought the Kris fans here would enjoy it.

  • Stillwater

    I know Maegan Wright and she never intended it to seem like she was raising her brother. Both of her real parents were there as well as her stepmpm. Have you ever heard of a tv show editing something to make it seem like something it’s not. You are a dumbass!

    • TopIdol

      Yes, I realize they edit stuff. It’s manipulative of Idol to begin with…making everything into a sob story.

  • Melissa Joy

    Bowersox means farmer of Saxony in German…. hot! She writes her own music too, can you say that about yourself?

  • lauren722

    I need to tell you that you suck. I can’t believe you watch “Mad Men.” I had time so I figured I’d start watching it since your so obsessed, but that show is just awful! None of the male characters are likable in the least! They are all sexist a**holes. Please explain.

  • Caspar

    Just wanted to thank you for that article on ‘Celine’ the infamous Neal Tiemann stalker. I have had hours of entertainment following her colorful tweets. She’s up! She’s down! She’s been non-stop the last 3 days, just taking time out to sleep; now she’s even posted a twitpic of herself and (presumably) the latest victim, some guy named Matt who looks kinda like NFT minus 30 IQ points.

    • nonna-muss

      She really seems to be losing it today. Sometimes she’s calm, not today.

  • Ruth

    What a cute feline in your picture. I loved your answer….”That’s uh…not my style.” I really didn’t think so. Just before your answer, I went back to the poem and saw that it was by one of Adam’s fans. Still you printed the poem which was generous of you. I greatly enjoy tongue-in-cheek —- again, I appreciate your articles.

  • Ruth

    I really like your long articles — I’m of a more mature age, and I like your writing style — although you can be a bit more harsh than is my preference. Did you write the poem about Adam? From past viewing of your pages, I would not think you would write such nice phrasing for Adam. If you did, I want to compliment you —- it was very good!! I hope you do reply. Keep up your witty, excellent articles. The one thing I miss is that there are no comments given by your viewers about your articles. This is my way of telling you—–VERY GOOD JOB!! and thank you.

    • TopIdol

      Oh no, I did not write the Adam poem. That’s uh…not my style?

      And yes, I can be harsh, but a lot of it is just tongue-in-cheek.

      Thank you for your comments. I am always happy when people write me.

  • ursiemay

    I came across this site when I was looking at different WordPress themes for a new site. As I was checking through the layout I realised what your blog is all about – American Idol.

    I’m not from the US, and although our country (NZ) airs the Idol talent show, I didn’t really bother wathching it until this season when Lambert appeared. I’m a big fan and will definitely have a listen to any album he puts out.

    I don’t know much about the winner, Kris Allen, or any of the other winners of the competition, but I have noticed what a big deal it is in your country. It seems to be taken really seriously, to the extent that there are things called “fan wars”. Apparently these take place every year, and your site is one of many that follows the show and participates in these “wars”.

    I did a bit of quick research and found that Lambert currently has an internet presence of about 425,000 people registered on fansites or on Facebook. Of these only about 30,000 appear to die-hard fansite fans. And of these, only a very small percentage actually participate (in writing) in actively supporting Lambert.

    That means that there are hundreds of thousands of music lovers out there in the world (like me) who couldn’t give a toss about fansites, Idol or fanwars, but are simply keen to hear new artists – whether it’s Lambert or Allen or any of these contestants who get the chance to make albums.

    Why do you people in the US take the show so seriously? Is there something that I don’t know? Isn’t it just a reality talent show which may – if you’re lucky and talented enough – be a launching pad for music careers? Is it some kind of national obsession – like a sport?

    Just curious.

    • TopIdol

      You are brilliant.

      As far as people taking the show seriously? No, not really. People in the U.S. have short attention spans. It’s quite popular during the season, but all normal people forget about it the next day. Most people dismiss it as a stupid show, even during the season, and it is quite difficult to build a serious music career having gone on the show (the female contestants have, on a whole, been more successful than the males, but the males are the ones who attract the rabid fanbases).

      In all honesty, the X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent are much bigger deals in the UK. Even Celebrity Big Brother from what I could tell. While its a very popular show in the states, Idol is definitely not as big a deal as the die-hard fans purport it to be. I had no idea this sort of thing went on until I started writing this blog…which was only because my former job had me do it as an experiment. I was blown away by the crap I found out. I had no idea the “fan wars” and this sort of thing went all whatsoever.

      Ursie, I hope you come back and visit my blog again. I like you :) And I recommend this template. It’s the most customizable of all the WP templates, at least in my opinion. I should probably customize it a bit more. Ha.

      • Smartie

        Oh please, tard wars have been going on for decades and they happen in every country. Even NZ. :roll:

        • TopIdol

          Always wonder how people end up on that page. Alas. I love my comment threads. They make me happy. I don’t ask for much :)

  • http://WWW.CHATTERTONGUEGOSSIP.COM Dale

    Would you like to share a link? We are at http://www.chattertonguegossip.com

    You can email me at DALE.STOVALL@YAHOO.COM

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEesXvTHmPs SpinningFasterAndFasterToNowhere

    Hey did you see this?

    Kris and his friends made their own video to LLWD…lol

    • deez

      Did you see the “original” one they did based on the SNL skit? Charles is awesome in it. (and the dog).

      And HBD is gonna need serious coaching for his music vids…just sayin…

    • 8hardcandy

      Some clever Idol executive is getting a bonus because he saved big $$$ by talking Kris Allen into doing something “real cool” instead of a big budget video.

  • Susan Forbes

    You do realize that while the Castro’s have made many mistakes, no denying that, by Atlantic’s own admission they have taken over everything, fan packages, fan clubs, everything. His parents are busily pushing the sibs on the world.

  • Dean Boutilier

    Hey, T.I.! You’ve inspired me to have another go at my old “DeanBlog”, moving it from its old home at MySpace (blogs.myspace.com/dboutilier) to the new site. I’m covering the Canadian version of SYTYCD, complete with video clips, pictures and, of course, attitude! Love for you and everyone else to drop by and have a look (the auditions just started, so there’s more video than anything else)…here’s the new address:

    http://deanboutilier.wordpress.com

  • d. b. cooper

    Hey Top Idol lady, I’ve sent you a tour recap. Check it out.

  • http://myspace yazmine

    dam u have a gurl

  • Toddy

    You need to put KrisAllenNation on your blog roll. They’re Kick Awesome!

  • Kristal

    There will be a new season of Project Runway this summer, that would be a fun blog!!!

  • Amanda Payne

    I find it extremely disturbing that you could, in good faith, write an article dipicting this man in such a negative way. Furthermore, I am very hesitant to believe that you were ever asscociated with Faith Builders or any other association in conjunction with Christ. However, if you where in fact a member of their team, your comments/feelings are very noticeably retalitory. One walking with Christ doesn’t speak like a jilted soul. I can not phathom the pain that Danny must have endured as a result of losing his beloved wife. To inflict public accusations on this man is horrendous in nature. God teaches us to turn the other cheek….not fight back and destroy. Nonetheless, we are in agreement about one thing…..Faith Builders is not an organization that you should be affiliated with. The cult you were refering to throughout your article seems to be more your speed. WWJD?

    • http://www.idletard.com Idletard

      Please try English, not Tardish, next time.

    • deez

      You confuse me. Who claimed affiliation with FB?
      WWJD? Probably not PROFIT off misguided sheep.

  • Kovacs

    according to this article, HBD is going to perform with Keith Urban: http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1611520/keith-urban-hits-the-ground-running-at-minnesota-concert.jhtml

    Totally weird paring.

    • TopIdol

      Hmm…maybe they can talk about how their wives’ both have limited facial movement?

  • deez

    Here’s something you may enjoy…..
    http://www.fox6now.com/shows/fox/americanidol/dannygokey/witi-090508-gokey-sings-september,0,6111177.story
    Right side, halfway down, click “Danny Gokey Heard it Through the Grapevine”. After singing that, he ATTEMPTS Billie Jean, his lyrics blow off the stage and a back up takes over, he starts babbling about not knowing the words…so just sings the chorus 4 or 5 times. nice.

    • pillowfight

      deez, the suckitude in that clip is unhinged! I love the backup singer when he tries to get her to continue covering his hack ass: “I leave it to the professionals.” haha well played girl. Maybe you should replace him on the show.

  • Kathryn91

    Actually, let me update my email… there is mention of “One” by U2 and the 2:50 mark….the video seems a bit sliced. But, it’s fun to try to decipher it.

  • Kathryn91

    Hi there… I was trying to confirm the information that you got from the AT&T Appearance and I came across this video. It mentions receiving the text from Simon at 3:15 but it doesn’t sound like there is any mention of songs (it is hard to hear). What do you think?

  • clrossil

    I hope no one watches o reilly factor until he has something to talk about other than the sexual preferences of american idol contestants…Is he kidding me right now? Unbelievable, how petty, he really should get a life and get someone to write new material for him to get puppet he sounds retarded. What a joke lol !

    • Windy

      What’s a joke is women who sleep with married men. Who wreck marriages and attempt to destroy families. I guess you think that’s just petty too? You are unbelievable and a joke, and obviously retarded if you think defending someone’s sexual orientation is any more honorable than upholding a commitment between God, a husband and a wife…

  • Looky -here

    This week Danny Gokey gets beaten in Wisconsin state music competition.

    http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-090428-danny-gokey-loss-wami,0,5095870.story

    So Gokey gets beaten in a local contestant yet Idol says he is the greatest thing ever.

  • UnitsGirl

    Oh I just had to share this with you my snarky-snarky friend. Although I’m sure you already saw it…. Hope you had fun with Pinky in LA.

  • Nicole

    Love love love this blog! It’s hilarious:) Did you ever mention what the rumor was about Casper and another contestant? I didn’t see if you did.

    • Nicole

      Casper and Mole Giraud… nice.

  • http://www.webmail.nhusd.k12.ca.us sameet

    I LOVE YOU DANNY!

  • http://topidol Mrs. Yoshi

    Hi,

    I’d just like to say I’m part of the growing “love-to-hate-AI” group. This is year has become especially strange. Pimping vs. throwing under the bus has become so obvious, I’m stunned the entire nation cannot see it. The judges are supposed to pick “the most talented in America,” but this year is especially so not. The judges are becoming savagely rude and cruel in some of their comments/actions, while they cannot think of anything more constructive to say than, “You picked the wrong song.” The live audience should boo loudly every time a judge says that, along with shouting, “broken record”! Someone should organize some audience plants to do that very thing, to show the producers what a horrendous joke their golden idol has become.

    Having aired my complaints, I’d like to share with you possible insight about the um-mm “interesting” Kris Allen photos. Once upon a time, I attended the sort of church frequented by trying-hard-to-please-Jesus folks like Mr. Allen. They have young men’s groups at such churches, and they tend to have a lot of “fellowship” get togethers. You canNOT be gay in such places–that is an automatic outraged ouster a la Ted fHaggard. So those things have to be sublimated somehow, like the way young gay Catholic men are attracted to the priesthood. Even if you are straight, if the church finds out you are sexually involved with someone outside of marriage, they will come to you to make sure you either: stop it, get married right away, or leave the church. So in my former church, their young men’s group had a Japan theme night, complete with a sumo wrestling tournament. I do not know what attire they wrestled in, but at least they got to grab one another. I wonder how that one got a pass as Christian wholesomeness. I do not know anything about Mr. Allen’s sexual identity, but the evidence shows he may be a little confused about it. Man hugs have their place, but I’ve never seen so many cuddly photos of guys outside of gay sources. I wish them well in their search for belongingness.

    Having said all that, you bloggers are right to see the Oz curtain fakery behind Danny Gokey type mega-dollars churches. That doesn’t mean Christ isn’t real. It just means those churches are fake. After all, the real Jesus said, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Christ’s chosen are called sheep. These sheep are scattered throughout the world and are lost until Christ finds them. The fake ones are called goats, and they never do become sheep. There are many of those. So when you folks joke about goats on AI, you may be closer to the truth than you realize.

  • celcasters

    You’re the only blog out there worth promoting on our site! We love it!!!

    We stream Idol live so you can get the word out in real time…

    Drop by to say hi -

    Marc at http://www.celcasters.com

  • http://salomey5.wordpress.com salomey5

    Hi!

    I’ve just noticed that my blog was listed in your “Sites worth reading” section.

    Just wanted to tell you that I’m very pleased, very flattered, very thankful, and that I’m returning the favour immediately. :)

    Keep up the good work!

  • standalone

    Darn!
    I want you to post Kat resume one more time, so you can convince everyone she’s a STAR!

  • J

    Well the McPhee fans will no longer be posting here. Peace out!!! :) So hate away, but you will get no more traffic from me.

  • standalone

    Hey Starbuck,
    I hope you don’t mind that I’m pushing McPhee fans’ buttons.
    They make it so easy. :)
    If you’d like, I’ll stop.

    • TopIdol

      Please, Standalone. CONTINUE :)